The need to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution has been the driving force behind the Government’s support of electric vehicles. This support has been essential to the growth in sales of plug in vehicles and the latest reports suggest numbers continue to rise. In Q1 2016, 115 new electric cars were registered in the UK every day and by the end of Q2 2016, 19,200 electric cars had been sold in the UK.
A Government grant can take several thousand pounds off the list price of a new vehicle, whilst free road tax currently adds to the long term cost savings that are offered by electric cars. For early adopters of electrically powered cars, there were some issues with the lack of infrastructure to support convenient recharging, but an increasing number of companies are investing in the technology.
According to a recent statement made by Nissan, the number of charging points in the UK could outnumber petrol stations by 2020. Many petrol stations have closed in recent years and forecasters predict that one or two charging points could be common on every city street by the end of the decade.
City Pollution
Air quality and pollution is a particular problem in cities, so the prospect of more electric powered vehicles will be widely welcomed. Electric powered double decker buses have recently made their debut on London’s streets and another iconic vehicle is set to follow suit.
In a multi-million pound upgrade, the fleet of London Black Cabs is to undergo a full overhaul into electric power. Electric cars are seen as the future of sustainable urban transport and the London cabbies are expected to contribute positively to the reduction of pollution in the city by 2018.
Electric Car MOTs
One of the standard requirements in an annual MOT is a tailpipe emissions test. The level of emissions from any vehicle must be within strict guidelines for a vehicle to comply and pass. When it comes to electric cars, there is no tailpipe and exemption from the emission level test, is an MOT still necessary?
Whilst emission tests are a well-documented feature of the MOT, there are many other checks carried out on a vehicle to ensure it is compliant and safe to drive on the roads. An electric car still needs to pass all other aspects of the inspection.
It is just as important that the brakes, suspension, steering and structural integrity of the vehicle are up to standard. The windscreen has to be checked for chips and cracks, as well as being sure that it can be cleared by the wipers. The wheels and tyre tread are still inspected, along with shock absorbers and even the horn.
Although the road tax for electric vehicles is currently free, owners still need to register their vehicle on the DVLA website. Any vehicle over 3 years old will need to have a valid MOT certificate in order to do this.
If you were one of the first wave of people to invest in an electric car, an MOT could soon be on the cards. The inspection of an electric vehicle might present a new experience for your local VOSA approved garage, but they will be equipped to competently complete the job.
No matter what car you own, if you are looking for a local garage to undertake your MOT, Holmer Green Service Centre has the expertise and experience to assist. For further information visit our site.
